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Tuesday, 1 March 2011

Arsenal set for summer Keeper Raid

Arsenal could make a move for Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina in the summer as they attempt to land an experienced stopper, according to reports in the Daily Star.The North London club attempted to land their first piece of silverware since 2005, but were beaten 2-1 by Birmingham due to a last minute mix up between defender Laurent Koscielny and keeper Wojciech Szczesny that led to Obafemi Martins scoring the winning goal.Despite the Polish stopper impressing in recent months, Arsenal may be prepared to launch a summer move for Reina who is also being chased by league leaders Manchester United.The Spanish international has been one of the most consistent performers in the Premier League since arriving at Anfield in the summer of 2005 and last year broke the record of Liverpool legend Ray Clemence as he secured his 100th clean sheet in just his 198th game.The 28-year-old is reportedly interested in securing a move away from Merseyside as he wants to play Champions League football which is once again looking unlikely for Liverpool.

Reina has seen international colleagues Xabi Alonso, Alvaro Arbeloa and Fernando Torres all depart the club in recent seasons and may now follow the trend at the end of the season.

Should Arsenal make a move for Reina then it is reported that a bid in the region of £20million may be enough to persuade Liverpool to part with the want-away keeper who is believed to be in talks with the Reds over a new deal.

With Reina desperate to once again play in Europe a lot will depend on whether Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is ready to sanction a move for the keeper or stick with the relatively untested Szczesny.

The 20-year-old has impressed since being handed the gloves but his inexperience may convince Wenger to move for Reina as the club attempt to claim that elusive first trophy in nearly six years.